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Stress Less - Relax and Live!

With so much opportunity to do, we forget that we also need to take time out to recharge our batteries. This is especially so for women who are leading very stressful and complicated lives.
Ask yourself some questions: When was the last time you checked into a day spa or weekend retreat so you could unwind from the stress of day-to-day living? When did you last have a massage or a deluxe facial? Alternatively, when was the last time you sat on a rock at the beach and just breathed in the fresh sea air and let the cares of the world disappear into the wind?

All work and no relaxation will make you a worn out woman! If your life focuses on service without the balance of recreation, your body, mind and spirit will be discordant.
From an emotional, physiological and psychological perspective, it is especially important to take time out for yourself if you are going through stressful events in your life.
It is common knowledge that to cope with stress your body speeds up, called the fight/flight mechanism. There is an adrenalin rush and this is the body's way of coping with the stress. However, if you experience stress over an extended time frame, the body digs into your reserve stores of energy and you may start to feel exhausted or driven and pressured. If the stressful situation is not resolved, chronic stress results and this can have grave consequences on your body and quality of life.
As women, finding the time is never easy we have to make it happen.
The benefits of making it happen are reduced stress levels resulting in less anger, less frustration, increased energy and an increased sense of well-being. The spin off is that rested there is more of you to go around.
To help you to rediscover the joys of nurturing yourself, here is a list of activities that may give you pleasure. Have a read, pick an activity and plan a time for your next nurturing session:
Take a warm bath (bubbles or bath salts are good)
Have breakfast in bed
Have an uninterrupted conversation (especially good for mothers!)
Get a massage
Buy yourself a bunch of flowers
Go shopping with a girlfriend you can relax with
Take a walk in a scenic place (by the beach or in a park)
Have a manicure, pedicure, or both
Get your hair done
Read a good relaxing book
Relax to soothing music
Rent a funny or romantic video
Go to bed early
Sleep outside under the stars
Eat out at a favorite restaurant
Go to the beach
Take a scenic drive
Buy something new to wear
Have a sauna or spa
Go for a swim
Take a nap in the middle of the day
Go to a concert or the theater or opera
Take a holiday
Go out dancing
Rearrange your house (some find this energizing, believe it or not)
Visit the library
Ask a special person to nurture you (foot rub, back rub)
Visit a museum or art gallery
Play a game you love
Exercise
Do some gardening or other hobby you enjoy
Have a worship, prayer or meditation time
Have a cup of something warm and read the newspaper

You are worth the effort; take the time to nurture yourself.

Learn more about this author, Hayley Solich.
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